PANAJI
A journey by Panaji-based journalists to the Bhagwati Plateau at Loliem where the government is considering as a site for an IIT, turned into a heated debate between those in favour, who had arranged the fact-finding trip, and those against it, mostly from the village.
Issues ranging from encroachments, water resources and the environmental impact, to life in the village, were discussed at length.
The debate took place not by design or choice but by chance. As the group of journalists proceeded on foot for a closer look at the plateau, which is not barren as claimed, they were joined by a group of villagers. What ensued was a lively debate on the plateau with some heated exchanges.
Here are excerpts from that debate in the first of a three part series on the issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Anti-IIT: The concerns are huge. The acquisition of the 12 lakh sqmts area will wipe out major parts of vegetation, besides virtually chasing away wildlife. Going by tentative plans, around 5 lakh sqmts of land is likely to be concretized. The plateau has abundant greenery and is home to several rare species of birds, butterflies, besides other animals. The tiny ‘water-ponds’ on the plateau and two water streams running on either side of the plateau will be included in the acquisition. The plateau and the streams have been lifelines of ground water in the locality. If these are impacted, life would be even more difficult in the village. The tentative plan of the project shows entry and exit roads running across east to west, dissecting the plateau. This is a clear indication that government plans to commercialize the remaining part of the plateau.
PRO-IIT: We have raised several concerns too. We have raised questions over water to the village, the economic benefit to Loliem, besides other infrastructural benefits in the form of power and garbage treatment. We have to get these addressed by the government before any plans take shape. We haven’t unconditionally given our okay to the project.
IMPACT OF IIT
Anit-IIT: The project will not bring any goodies to the village. On the contrary it will put enormous pressure on its water table, at a time when Loliem is thirsting for water. The village lacks basic infrastructure like water and power and a project of this magnitude will cripple the life of villagers. There is no guarantee that the village will get to share facilities inside the campus.
Pro-IIT: The project will bring about a change in the village and benefits will trickle down not only to the taluka but entire Goa. The sprawling campus spread across 12 lakh sq mts will be self-contained and will pass on several economic benefits to the village. The infrastructure available inside the IIT campus, ranging from water system to garbage treatment and power transformers, will be made available for village use. The IIT will also put Loliem on the world map. Opposition without going into all aspects is not the right thing to do. The government is ready to be flexible on certain issues such as approach roads to the IIT and the layout of the campus so that green cover is not impacted.
On Feasibility Study of the project
Anti-IIT: Nobody knows if a feasibility study is being done. The panchayat has washed off its hands saying there is no communication from the government on the project. There are rumours about a feasibility report being done to silence the opposition. The chief minister has also announced assertively that the IIT will be set up at Loliem.
Pro-IIT: Opposing the project before the feasibility report is out doesn’t make sense. Let us wait till the report is out and then debate. There is a lot of clarity needed. We have not blindly said yes. We have laid down our concerns very clearly. Moreover, we have proposed a detailed study to be done on the lines of Mandi IIT in Himachal Pradesh.
On a One-On-One Debate
Anti-IIT: We are ready for a one-on-one debate in front of the media. In fact, we are ready to discuss anytime the points we raised against those of the pro-lobby. We have gauged the pulse of the village on the issue.
Pro-IIT: The opposing group is steadfast in its opinion. It is not open to discussion beyond a point. Discussing the issue on one-on-one basis in the presence of the media will be a futile exercise.
Encroachments on comunidade land
Anti-IIT: Encroachment cannot be an issue here. If at all there is any encroachment, the courts are there to decide. Why has the Comunidade not taken legal recourse? The charges are intended to defame those opposing the project.
Pro-IIT: People who were originally owners of land admeasuring 2000 sq mts are now owners of 15,000 sqmts. The fear that their illegal gains would be wiped off when the government acquires land for the project is the driving force behind opposition to the project.
